Dispensing device for edible goods and/or novelties

ABSTRACT

A dispensing device may include a main body including a wall having a dispensing mouth defined in the wall; a storage portion, wherein the storage portion is retained by the main body; and a conveyance path providing communication between the storage portion and the dispensing mouth. In addition, the dispensing device may include a conveyor disposed in the conveyance path; a drive motor mechanically coupled to the conveyor; and a sensor, wherein the sensor is directly or indirectly electrically coupled to the drive motor and the sensor is in optical communication with the environment proximate to the dispensing mouth.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/844,981 filed Jul. 28, 2010, which is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a dispensing device and moreparticularly, to an automated dispenser for edible goods and/ornovelties.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Dispensers are often used to dispense various solid items, includingedible goods, ice, coffee, pharmaceuticals or small toys. Dispensers mayprovide control in terms of the amount of a particular good dispensed orhow or when the item is dispensed. In addition, dispensers may provide arelatively sanitary alternative to the candy dish commonly seen on adesk or a bucket of ice placed on a countertop. However, room forimprovement and further development remains. For example, manydispensers may include a slide or an enclosed volume that may becomejammed if items get caught during dispensing. In other examples, manydispensers, particularly candy dispensers, may be activated by touchingthe dispenser, spreading germs. Accordingly, further development in theart of dispensing goods may still be made, with improvements in theareas of sanitation, prevention of product jamming in the dispenser,accommodation of different sizes of items to be dispensed, metering theamount of product dispensed and convenience in manipulating thedispenser itself.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages will be better understood byreading the following detailed description, taken together with thedrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of thedispensing device contemplated herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded, side cross-sectional view of anembodiment of a tank and lid.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodimentof a lid.

FIG. 4 illustrates a back perspective view of an embodiment of a tank.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of anupper portion of the dispensing device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of adispensing device.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of an embodimentof a main body, inner cover and conveyance tube with an auger positionedtherein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top, perspective view of an embodiment of a mainbody.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of aconveyance tube with an auger therein.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of an auger.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of adispensing device.

FIG. 12 illustrates a back/top perspective view of an embodiment of aconveyance tube, a drive motor mechanically coupled to the augerpositioned within the conveyance tube, and a variable resistor with adial.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of agear and clutch assembly.

FIG. 14 illustrates a close up view of the gear and clutch assembly ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 15 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of thedispensing device with the main body removed from the figureillustrating the drive motor gear box.

FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the dispensingdevice with the storage portion, inner cover and main body removed,illustrating the sensor and a receptacle.

FIG. 17 illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of thedispensing device with the tank, lid and main body removed, illustratingthe sensor.

FIG. 18 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of thedispensing device with the tank, lid and main body removed, illustratingthe vibratory device.

FIG. 19 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of thedispensing device with the tank, lid and main body removed, illustratingthe vibratory device.

FIG. 20 illustrates an exploded side view of an embodiment of the stand.

FIG. 21 illustrates a side perspective cross-sectional view of anembodiment of the dispensing device illustrating the main body and thestand.

FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the stand.

FIG. 23 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of thestand.

FIG. 24 illustrates a bottom perspective of an embodiment of the stand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, a dispensing device, consistent with the embodimentsdisclosed herein, enables dispensing of goods or items within the deviceby activation of a sensor that may trigger the metering of goods oritems from a storage tank. Goods may include, for example, candy, gum,other food stuffs or novelty such as various trinkets, toys, etc., aswell as office goods, including paper clips, binder clips, tacks, etc.In the exemplary non-exclusive embodiments described and shown, thedispensing device may include a main body, a stand supporting the mainbody, a tank mounted on the main body, a funnel within the tank and alid for providing access to the interior of the tank. In furtherexemplary non-exclusive embodiments the dispensing device may alsoinclude a vibratory mechanism to prevent jamming of the items within thedevice when the items are dispensed. The vibratory mechanism may alsoreduce sticking or agglomerating of items in the storage tank, such aswhen, for example, food items are in the tank and begin to melt or fusetogether.

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a dispenser 100 may generallyinclude main body 102, a stand 104 supporting the main body 102, astorage portion 106 retained by the main body 102, and a conveyance pathproviding communication between the main body and the storage portionfor conveying items to be dispensed. While the dispenser 100, asillustrated, takes the form of a generally egg-like shape, it iscontemplated that other shapes may be provided as well. The device maytake the form of, for example, other geometric figures or objectsincluding animals, planes, trains, automobiles, food items, buildingblocks, etc.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5, the dispensing device may include atank 108, which in association with the funnel 110, may hold items to bedispensed. The tank 108 may be formed from a relatively clear ortransparent material, i.e., a material that may allow for thetransmission of incident light in the visible range of 380 nm to 750 nm,including all values and increments therein. The tank 108 may exhibitsome degree of translucency, i.e., scattering of incident light.However, it may be appreciated that the material needs not be clear andmay be, in some non-exclusive embodiments, opaque. Materials forfabricating the tank may include, polycarbonate, acrylic, glass, metal,metal alloys, polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the tank may include a fill opening 112defined therein at a first end 114 of the tank 108. The fill opening 112may accommodate the lid 118. The lid 118 may be retained within the fillopening 112 by mechanically interlocking with an interior surface 120defining the fill opening 112. For example, mating threads may beprovided on both the lid rim 122 and the interior surface 120 of theopening 112. In another illustrative example, frictional contact may bemade between the lid rim 122 and the interior surface 120 of the fillopening 112. In such an example, a gasket 123 may be provided at the lidrim 122 or integrated into the lid rim 122 formed of a thermoplasticelastomer or a natural or synthetic rubber as illustrated in FIG. 3. Inaddition, to provide a mechanism to facilitate removing the lid 118 fromthe fill opening 112 when the lid 118 is retained by frictional contact,a depression 124 (illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4) may be formed in theexterior surface 126 of the tank 108 allowing for a person to pushagainst a surface 128 of the lid 118 (see FIG. 3) in a direction awayfrom the fill opening 112 of the tank 108.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the tank 108 may also include a secondopening 130 defined by the bottom rim 132 of the tank 108. The bottomrim 132 of the tank may mate with the main body 102 as illustrated inFIG. 5, such that a portion of the bottom rim 132 may be received and/orretained by the main body 102. In one embodiment, as illustrated, themain body 102 may include one or more ledges 136 a, 136 b, etc.(hereinafter referred to as a ledge 136) defined in the main body 102 orextending from the main body wall 138 upon which the bottom rim 132 ofthe tank 108 may rest. The ledge 136 need not surround the entirety ofthe main body 102 but may be defined by one or more protrusions 140 a,140 b, etc. which extend from the main body wall 138 on the interiorportion of the main body 102. The bottom rim 132 and the main body 102may mechanically interlock. For example, mating threads may be providedon both the bottom rim 132 and the main body 102. In other examples, thebottom rim 132 may be frictionally retained in the main body 102. In afurther embodiment, the tank 108 may be affixed to the main body 102such as by adhesives or welding of the tank 108 to the main body 102.

Also illustrated in FIG. 5 is an embodiment of the funnel 110. Thefunnel 110 may include a first peripheral wall 150 and a second interiorwall 152, which may function to retain items to be dispensed within thetank 108. The first peripheral wall 150 and second peripheral wall 152may define angle alpha (α) near the top of the funnel 154, which may bein the range of 0 degrees to less than 90 degrees, including all valuesand increments therein such as from 0.1 to 89.9 degrees, 10 degrees, 30degrees, etc. Furthermore, angle (α) may vary around the funnel 110,such that one side of the funnel 110 may exhibit a first angle (α₁) andanother portion of the funnel 110 may exhibit a second angle (α₂). Itmay also be understood that, in some examples, angle (α) may varycontinuously around the funnel 110. As noted above, the funnel 110 mayinclude a funnel opening 156 defined near the bottom of the funnel 158through which items may pass into the conveyance tube 202 (discussedfurther below) near the first end 242 of the conveyance tube. The funnel110 may be formed of a number of materials, including metal or metalalloys, wood, glass, polymer materials including thermoplastics such aspolypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate,acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, acrylic, and combinations thereof.

The funnel 110 may also rest on the ledge 136 defined by the main body102. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the funnel 110 may rest interior of thebottom rim 132 of the tank 108 on the ledge 136. However, it may beappreciated that, in some non-exclusive embodiments, the bottom rim 132of the tank 108 may rest on the funnel 110, which in turn may rest onthe ledge 136 defined by the main body 102. Further, the bottom rim 132of the tank 108 may mechanically interlock with both the main body 102and the funnel 110, such as through mating threads or frictionalretention. In additional non-exclusive embodiments, the bottom rim 132of the tank 108, the funnel 110 and the main body 102 may be adhesivelyjoined together or welding together, such as by ultrasonic welding. Inaddition, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tank 108 may include alocating tab 160 and the main body 102 may include a notch 162 forreceiving the locating tab 160. The locating tab 160 and the main body102 may define a locating path 164 through which a mechanical fastener166, such as a thumbscrew, slotted screw or pin may pass. In addition,the peripheral wall 150 of the funnel 110 may also define a portion ofthe locating path to retain the tank 108 and funnel 110 with relation tothe main body 102. The mechanical fastener 166 may be removable or themechanical fastener 166 may be locked in place, such as by ultrasonicwelding, preventing access to the interior of the main body 102 throughthe tank 108.

FIGS. 6 through 11 illustrates a conveyance path C_(p), which may bedefined, at least in part by a conveyance tube 202, including aconveyor, such as an auger 204, positioned therein for transporting theitems stored in the tank 108 to a dispensing mouth 206 defined in thewall 138 of the main body 102. The conveyance tube 202 may be mountedwithin or at least partially within the main body 102 in an inner cover208 as illustrated further in FIG. 7. For example, the inner cover 208may include a conveyance tube recess 210 for accommodating theconveyance tube 202. The inner cover 208 may include one or more detents212 a, 212 b, 212 c, etc. (hereinafter detents 212) therein for aligningthe inner cover 208 within the main body 102, which may include one ormore protrusions 140 as noted above. While the detents 212 andcorresponding protrusions 140 may generally exhibit a rectangularcross-section, other shapes are contemplated, such as half-circles ortriangles. The inner cover 208 may mount on one or more bosses 214 a,214 b (hereinafter bosses 214) provided in the main body 102, an exampleof which are illustrated in FIG. 8. Referring again to FIG. 7, the innercover 208 may, in some non-exclusive embodiments, translate in the mainbody 102, or may be displace-able in a vertical manner with respect tothe main body 102. In addition, the inner cover 208 may be completelyremoved from the main body 102. The main body 102 and the inner cover208 may be formed of a metal, metal alloy, glass, wood, plasticincluding thermoplastic such as polypropylene, acrylic, polyethylene,acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, etc. It may be appreciated that themain body 102 and the inner cover 208 may be formed of the same ordifferent materials. It may also be appreciated that, while in somenon-exclusive embodiments, the inner cover 208 may be removed to provideaccess into the interior portion 220 (see again FIG. 8) of the main body102, a panel or door may be provided in the side of the main body 102 inaddition to, or instead of the inner cover 208. Furthermore, where theinterior portion 220 of the main body may be accessed by a door orpanel, the inner cover 208 may be integrated into the main body 102 soas to form a unitary piece.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the auger 204 positioned within the conveyancetube 202 may include threads 230 a, 230 b, etc., (hereinafter threads230) and a shaft 232. The auger 204 may be sized such that the overalldiameter of the auger (D_(auger)), including the threads extending fromin the inner shaft 232, may be equal to or less than the inner diameterof the conveyance tube (D_(CT)). For example, the diameter of the auger(D_(auger)) may be less than the diameter of the conveyance tube(D_(CT)). Accordingly, in one embodiment the relationship between theinner diameter of the conveyance tube (D_(CT)) and the overall diameterof the auger (D_(auger)) may be expressed as0.1*(D_(CT))≦(D_(auger))≦1.0*(D_(CT)). In other examples, the diameterof the auger 204 may be greater than the diameter of the conveyance tube202, which may cause the auger threads to bend or foldover scraping thesides of the conveyance tube 202. Further, in addition to the materialsdescribed above with reference to the main body 102 and/or the innercover 208, the auger threads 230 may be composed of a thermoplasticelastomer or a natural or synthetic rubber. The auger shaft 232 may beformed of the same material or a different material than the augerthreads 230, including those materials described above with reference tothe main body 102 and/or the inner cover 208.

The auger pitch (P), which may be understood for example as the distancebetween the leading edge 234 a, 234 b of two consecutive auger threads230, may be smaller than or equal to the overall diameter of the auger(D_(auger)). For example, the pitch (P) may be one half of the augerdiameter (D_(auger)) to three times the auger diameter (D_(auger)),including all values and increments therein. Accordingly, in oneembodiment the relationship between the overall diameter of the auger204 to the distance between the leading edge 234 a, 234 b of twoconsecutive auger threads 230 may be expressed as0.5*(D_(auger))≦(P)≦3.0*(D_(auger)).

In some embodiments, the threads 230 may taper as illustrated in FIG.10, which is a side view of the auger 204. For example, the threads 230may have a relatively larger height (H₁) proximal to a first end of theauger 222 and a relatively smaller height (H₂) proximal to a second endof the auger 224. In addition, the first end of the auger 222 may bepositioned proximal to the funnel opening 156 and the send end of theauger 224 may be positioned proximal to the dispensing mouth 206, orvice versa. In some embodiments, the ratio of the transition in heightalong the length of the screw from H₁ to H₂ may be in the range of 1:1to 10:1, including all values and increments therein. Thus, it may beappreciated that H1≧H2≧0.1*H1, including all values and incrementstherein. Furthermore, it may be appreciated that in some embodiments,the shaft diameter (D_(shaft)) may be adjusted, such that the diameter(D_(shaft)) of the shaft 232 is varied along the length of the shaft.

The conveyance tube 202 may include a first opening 240 at a first end242 for receiving items from the tank 108, wherein the opening of theconveyance tube 202 may be positioned underneath the opening 156 definedin the bottom portion of the funnel 110. The first opening 240 of theconveyance tube 202 may have a cross-sectional length or diameter(D_(opening)) that is the same size or greater than a cross-sectionallength (as measured in a similar direction of that of the first openingof the conveyance tube 240) or diameter of the opening 156 defined bythe bottom of the funnel 108. In addition, the first opening 240 of theconveyance tube 202 may exhibit a diameter or a cross-sectional lengthin a direction parallel to and/or perpendicular to the shaft 232 of theauger 204 that may be equal to or greater than the overall diameter ofthe auger (D_(auger)).

While the conveyance tube 202 is illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 6as being generally horizontal to a surface S upon which the device 100may rest, it may be appreciated that the conveyance tube 202 may beangled. FIG. 11 illustrates the conveyance tube 202 therein mounted inthe main body 102 at an angle β, wherein angle β may be defined, forexample, by the centerline C of the conveyance tube 202 relative to ahorizontal plane P, such as, for example, a plane parallel orsubstantially parallel to the surface S upon which the device may 100rest. Angle β may be in the range of −20 degrees to 70 degrees,including all values and increments therein

Referring again to FIG. 6, an internal ramp 250 may extend from thesecond end 252 of the conveyance tube 202 to the dispensing mouth 206defined by the main body 102, which may also define a portion of theconveyance path C_(p). In some non-exclusive embodiments, the internalramp 250 may be integrated or attached, either chemically ormechanically, to the conveyance tube 202, the main body 102 and/or theinner cover 208. In addition, the main body 102 may include a lip 254that may direct dispensed items away from the dispenser 100 and into areceptacle. The internal ramp 250 may include an internal ramp cover256. The internal ramp cover 256 may, in some non-exclusive embodiments,be integrated or affixed to the internal cover 208 or to the internalramp 250.

In some non-exclusive embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a drivemotor 300 may be mechanically or electrically (i.e., magnetically)coupled to the auger shaft 232. For example, a drive motor 300 may bemechanically coupled to the auger shaft 232 via one or more gears. Inthe embodiment illustrated herein, the drive motor 300 may include afirst gear 302 affixed to or integrated with a driven shaft 304.Additional gears 306 a, 306 b, 306 c, etc. (hereinafter referred togears 306) may also be provided, which may multiply or reduce torque tothe auger shaft 232.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 through 14, a clutch 312may be provided to protect the gears 306 and motor 300 in the case of ajam in the conveyance path (C_(p)) (see FIG. 6). The clutch 312 may beaffixed or integrated into to spur gear 314. The clutch 312 may includea number of relatively flexible external lobes 316 which interact withinternal lobes 318 of an intermeshing gear 320. The external lobes 316may ratchet or the clutch 312 may flex allowing the internal lobes 318to pass over the internal lobes 316 should the drive motor 300 continueto spin if an auger jam occurs. As may be appreciated more than oneclutch with a corresponding intermeshing gear may be provided.

Referring to FIG. 13 and FIG. 15, a gear housing 310 may be provided toprotect the gears 306 from contacting other objects that may becomeloose in the main body. The gear housing may be provided in multipleparts such as halves 310 a and 310 b, which may be affixed together. Itmay be appreciated that more than two parts of the housing may beprovided and that the parting line of the parts may alternate in plane.As the auger 204 rotates, items stored in the tank 108, as illustratedin FIG. 6, may fall into the conveyance tube 202 and may be conveyed bythe auger 204 from the first end 242 to the second end 252 of theconveyance tube 202, dropping down the internal ramp 250 and out thedispensing mouth 206.

Referring back to FIG. 12, the speed of the drive motor 300, andtherefore the auger 204, may be adjusted by circuitry 306, which mayinclude singly or in any combination, hardwired circuitry, programmablecircuitry, state machine circuitry, and/or firmware that storesinstructions executed by programmable circuitry. In some example, thecircuitry may include a variable resister 322 such as a potentiometer,rotary switch, adjustable voltage divider, etc. The variable resistor322 may allow, not only for the control of the speed of the drive motor300 or the duration for which the drive motor 300 operates, but may alsobe used to turn the dispensing device 100 on or off. However, it may beappreciated that in some examples, a separate power switch may also beprovided in addition to, or instead of the variable resistor 322. Thevariable resistor 322 may be electrically coupled to the drive motor 300either directly or indirectly. In some non-exclusive embodiments, thevariable resistor 322 may be electrically coupled to an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable printed circuitboard, which in turn may be coupled to the drive motor 300. The variableresistor 322 may include a dial or switch 324. As illustrated in FIG. 6,the dial 324 may protrude through a dial opening 326 defined in the mainbody 102.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16 through 17, a sensor 400 may be provided tooperate the motor, e.g., turning the motor on and/or off. In somenon-exclusive embodiments, the sensor 400 may be an optical sensor, suchas an optical proximity sensor or an optical motion sensor. The opticalsensor 400 may include a light transmitter 402 and a light detector 404a and 404 b (hereinafter referred to detector 404). In somenon-exclusive embodiments, an object 406 (such as a receptacle forreceiving items stored in the tank 108) may cause at least a portion oflight emitted (L_(e)) from the light transmitter to be reflected (L_(r))towards the light detector 404, which may then detect the reflectedlight (L_(r)). The light emitter 402 and/or detector 404 may operate inthe infrared, visible or UV range having an electromagnetic wavelengthin the range of 240 nm to 1000 nm, including all values and incrementstherein, such as 240 nm to 380 nm, 380 nm to 500 nm, 500 nm to 750 nm,etc.

The sensor 400 may be mounted on the dispensing device 100 in a numberof locations. In addition, if positioned on the interior portion of thedispensing device 100, such as in the interior portion 220 of the mainbody 102 or tank 108, the dispensing device 100 may include a number ofopenings or windows providing an optical path between the sensor and theexterior of the dispensing device 100. Optical communication may beunderstood herein as the ability of light or at least a portion thereof,including light within the operating wavelengths of the sensor, totravel, such as through a given medium, including air or a material.Optical communication may occur by an optical path.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 17, the sensor 400 may be mountedon the internal cover 256 by a lampstand 408. In some non-exclusiveembodiments, the sensor 400 may be positioned near the second end 252 ofthe conveyance tube 202 and/or between the conveyance tube 202 and themain body 102. Furthermore, the sensor 400 may be positioned near thedispensing mouth 206 (see FIG. 6) so that the sensor 400 may detectwhether a receptacle for receiving items dispensed from the dispensingdevice 100 is present near the dispensing mouth 206. As may beappreciated, other objects may also be detected by the sensor 400 anddetection may not be limited to just hands, dishes or other containers.Furthermore, as may be appreciated proximity to dispensing mouth may beunderstood any distance from the dispensing mouth which an object may bedetected by the sensor and may be varied depending on the sensor orsensor settings. For example, proximity to the dispensing mouth mayinclude an area within the internal ramp 250 or within 8 inches from thedispensing mouth, including all values and increments therein, such as 1inch, 2 inches, 4 inches, etc. It may also be appreciated that the areasurrounding and/or, immediate to the dispensing device, may beunderstood herein as the “environment”. The environment may also includethe optical path and/or anything in proximity to the sensors.

As the sensor 400, in some non-exclusive embodiments may be positionedabove the internal ramp cover 256, one or more openings 410 may beprovided in the internal ramp cover 256 to allow light emitted (L_(e))by the sensor 400 to pass through the dispensing mouth 206 defining anoptical path (O_(p)) (illustrated in FIG. 6). A sensor cover 412 may beprovided in the internal ramp cover 256, which may protect portions ofthe sensor 400 from damage due to physical contact by either thedispensed items or the receptacle in which the items may be received,yet still allow light, particularly light in the electromagnetic rangeat which the sensor operates, to pass through forming, in somenon-exclusive embodiments a portion of the optical path (O_(p)).

It may be appreciated that in other non-exclusive embodiments, thesensor 400 may be mounted on the main body 102, such as underneath thedispensing mouth 206, depending on the geometry of the main body 102. Insuch an embodiment, openings may be defined in the main body 102,providing an optical path between the sensor 400 and the exterior of themain body 102.

In addition, in some non-exclusive embodiments, such as illustrated inFIG. 17, the lampstand 408 may include sleeves 414 a, 414 b that mayblock light from external sources that are not emitted by the sensor orlight directly emitted by the sensor but not otherwise reflected totrigger the sensor 400. It may be appreciated that triggering the sensor400, may be understood herein as an event or occurrence that may causethe sensor 400 to provide an output to the circuitry 306. It may beappreciated that the lampstand 408 may position the sensor components atappropriate angles relative to the dispensing mouth 206 to form adesired optical path O_(p).

The sensor 400 may be electrically coupled to the drive motor 300 eitherdirectly or indirectly. In some non-exclusive embodiments, the sensor400 may be electrically coupled to circuitry 306, which may itself beelectrically coupled to the drive motor 300 to control the operation ofthe drive motor 300 (illustrated in FIG. 12) based on the input from thesensor 400. As may be appreciated, power to the drive motor 300 may beprovided via the circuitry 306 or the drive motor 300 may receive powerfrom a separate power source. In further non-exclusive embodiments, thecircuitry 306 may interrupt the power supply to the drive motor 300.

For example, circuitry 306 may receive an output from the sensor 400indicating the presence of a receptacle, such as a user's hand, a dishor a bowl, for receiving items from the tank 108. The circuitry 306receiving that signal may turn the motor 300 on for a specified periodof time, i.e., a time period. The drive motor 300 may rotate at a givenspeed, such as a speed selected with the variable resistor 322 or at apreset or fixed speed, dispensing items from the tank 108. After theexpiration of the time period the drive motor 300 may stop rotating dueto the circuitry 306 turning the drive motor 300 off. As may beappreciated a time period variable resistor may be provided to adjustthe time period in which the motor drive 300 runs. It may be appreciatedthat when the drive motor is activated, the vibratory motor, discussedfurther below, may be activated as well.

In a further embodiment, the circuitry 306 may trigger the drive motor300 to run for a time period after receiving output from the sensor 400that a receptacle is present. However, if the circuitry 306 receivesadditional outputs from the sensor 400 within a wait period after thedrive motor 300 is triggered, the circuitry will ignore the additionaloutputs until the wait period has expired. As maybe appreciated, a waitperiod variable resistor may be provided to select the length of timethe wait period is.

In further non-exclusive embodiments, for as long as a receptacle ispresent, the sensor 400 may send an output to the circuitry 306indicating the presence of the receptacle. Upon receiving an outputindicating the receptacle is present, the circuitry 306 may activate themotor. Upon removing the receptacle the sensor 400 may no longer providean output to the circuitry 306 and the circuitry 306 may then turn offthe drive motor 300.

A vibratory device 500 may also be provided, which may be used toprevent the items dispensed from the tank 108 (illustrated in FIG. 6)from jamming or failing to feed through the funnel 110 (illustrated inFIG. 6). In some embodiments, the vibratory device 500 may also preventsticking or agglomerating of the items within the storage portion 106.For example, when chocolate coated candies may be placed in the storagetank, or gummies, the contact of the candies or gummies at elevatedtemperatures over a period of time may cause the items to fuse or sticktogether, preventing the items from feeding through the device. Thevibratory device 500 may prevent these items from sticking.

The vibratory device 500 may mechanically contact directly or indirectlythe main body 102, inner cover 208 and/or funnel 110 at a givenfrequency while the drive motor 300 is on. An embodiment of a vibratorydevice 500 is illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. The vibratory device 500may include a vibratory motor 502 mounted in a motor cover 504. Themotor cover 504 may be affixed, in some non-exclusive embodiments, tothe inner cover 208 or to the main body 102. The vibratory device 500may include a driven shaft 506 and an eccentric body 508 mounted to orintegrated with the driven shaft 506 so that the eccentric body 508 maycontact the inner cover 208 at given intervals, i.e., every rotation ofthe driven shaft 506, which may in turn contact the funnel 110. As notedabove, the inner cover 208 may be displace-able relative to the mainbody 102 riding up and down on the protrusions 140 provided in the mainbody 102.

The repeated contact from the eccentric body 508 may cause vibration inthe dispensing device 100, and particularly in the inner cover 208and/or the funnel 110. The vibration may provide sufficient jarringmotion to forcefully eject jammed items or overcome the force of staticfriction to move the items in the tank 108 down the funnel 110 towardsthe opening defined in the funnel 156 and into the conveyance tube 202(see FIG. 6). As illustrated, in FIGS. 18 and 19, the inner cover 208may include an alcove 512 to accommodate a portion of the vibratorydevice 500.

As noted above, with respect to FIG. 1, the dispensing device 100 mayalso include a stand 104. An exploded view of an embodiment of the stand104 is illustrated in FIG. 20. The stand 104 may include an uprightportion 602 and a base 604. The upright portion 602 may be integrallyformed with the base 604 or may be attached to the base in either arelatively permanent manner or a releasable manner. For example, the rimof the base 606 may frictionally fit within the bottom of the uprightportion 608 as illustrated in FIG. 21. The stand may fit into a basealcove 612 defined in the main body 102. In some non-exclusiveembodiments, the stand 104 may mechanically interlock with the main body102 by frictional association with the main body 102 or via projectionsin the stand that may be received in recesses in the main body (or viceversa).

A battery compartment 620 may be defined in the base 604 of the stand104 having an opening 622 therein for receiving batteries 624 that maysupply power to the drive motor and/or the vibration motor. A cover 626may be provided over the opening 622 for enclosing the batterycompartment 620. While the battery compartment 620 is illustrated asbeing provided in the base 604 of the stand 104, the battery compartment620 may also be provided in the upright portion of the stand 602 asillustrated in FIG. 22. Referring back to FIG. 20, the dispensing devicemay also include a DC jack 630 or other power supply for receiving powerfrom an external source such as a car battery, wall outlet or a USBport. As may be appreciated, while the DC jack 630 is illustrated asbeing positioned in the base 604 of the stand 104, the DC jack (or otherpower supply) may be provided in the upright portion 602 of the stand104 or in the main body 102. It may be appreciated that in somenon-exclusive embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the stand 104 mayalso include a depression or catch basin 640 formed on or in the upperface 642 of the upright portion 602.

FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment of the bottom of the dispensing device100. One or more rubber pads 646 a, 646 b, 646 c, (hereinafter referredto as rubber pads 646) etc. may be provided on the bottom surface 644 ofthe stand 104 to prevent scratching of the surface upon which thedispensing device may be placed. In addition, the rubber pads 646 mayalso prevent jiggling or vibrating of the dispensing device 100 againstthe surface upon which the dispensing device 100 rests. While a numberof rubber pads 646 are illustrated, it may be appreciated that a singlerubber pad may be contemplated, wherein the rubber pad defines a numberof openings therein to accommodate the battery compartment and/or the DCjack or other power supply. Furthermore, it may be appreciated that therubber pads 646 need not be made of rubber but may be made out of othermaterials such as foam or felt, which may include thermoplasticmaterials such as polyolefins, polyurethanes, thermoplastic elastomers,etc. or fabric made of natural or synthetic fibers. In addition, thebase 604 of the stand may include a notch 650 in the periphery 652 andthe bottom surface 644 of the stand may also a recess or a cutout 654defined therein to provide access to the DC jack 630 or other powersupply.

Referring back to FIG. 22, in some non-exclusive embodiments, dampeningmaterial 660 may be provided or retained between at least a portion ofthe stand 104 and the main body 102, as illustrated or dampeningmaterial 660 may be provided between the stand 104 and the main body 102such that the entire interface 662 (see FIG. 21) includes dampeningmaterial. In some non-exclusive embodiments, the dampening material 660may be adhered to either the stand 104 or the main body 102. Thedampening material 660 may absorb a portion of the vibration due to thevibratory motor, preventing jiggling of the dispensing device 100 on agiven surface. The dampening material 660 may include felt, foam oranother compressible material and may be formed of natural or syntheticrubber, thermoplastic elastomers, polyolefins, or other thermoplasticmaterials.

Accordingly, in one aspect the present disclosure relates to adispensing device. The dispensing device may include a main bodyincluding a wall having a dispensing mouth defined in the wall; astorage portion, wherein the storage portion is retained by the mainbody; and a conveyance path providing communication between the storageportion and the dispensing mouth. In addition, the dispensing device mayinclude a conveyor disposed in the conveyance path; a drive motormechanically coupled to the conveyor; and a sensor, wherein the sensoris directly or indirectly electrically coupled to the drive motor andthe sensor is in optical communication with the environment proximate tothe dispensing mouth. In some non-exclusive embodiments, the sensor maybe mounted within the main body and optical communication to theenvironment is provided through a portion of the conveyance path andthrough the dispensing mouth. In some non-exclusive embodiments, thedispensing device may also include a vibratory device mechanicallycoupled directly or indirectly to the conveyance path configured toimpart mechanical vibration to the dispensing device.

In further non-exclusive embodiments, the dispensing device may alsoinclude circuitry electrically coupled to the sensor and to the drivemotor, wherein the circuitry is configured to operate the drive motor.The circuitry may also be configured to activate the drive motor for atime period upon receiving an output from the sensor indicating thepresence of a receptacle proximal to the dispensing mouth. The circuitrymay also include a variable resistor configured to control the rate ofconveyance of said conveyor.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a dispensing devicethat may include a tank including a first end and a second end; a funnelpositioned at the second end of the tank, wherein the funnel has afunnel opening defined therein; and a main body, defining a dispensingmouth and including at least one lip, wherein the tank and funnel aresupported on the main body. In some non-exclusive embodiments, a fillopening may be defined in the first end of the tank and a lid may beremovably mounted in the fill opening.

In some non-exclusive embodiments, a locating tab may extend from thesecond end of the tank and a notch in the main body wall may beconfigured to receive the locating tab. A first portion of a locatingpath may be defined in the locating tab and a second portion of thelocating path may be defined in the main body wall and a removablemechanical fastener may be received in the locating path. Anotherportion of the locating path may be defined in the funnel.

The dispensing device may also include a conveyance tube at leastpartially disposed in the main body, wherein the conveyance tube definesat least a portion of a conveyance path from the funnel opening to thedispensing mouth. An auger may be rotatably positioned in saidconveyance tube and a drive motor may be mechanically coupled to theauger. In some embodiments, the conveyance tube may include a firstopening and a second opening, wherein the first opening is incommunication with the funnel opening and the second opening is directlyor indirectly in communication with the dispensing mouth. In furthernon-exclusive embodiments, the main body may include an inner covermounted in the main body having a recess defined therein, wherein theconveyance tube may be supported in the recess.

The dispensing device may also include an optical sensor mounted in themain body wherein the sensor is directly or indirectly electricallycoupled to the drive motor. In addition, an optical path opticallycoupling the optical sensor to the environment may be provided, whereinat least a portion of the optical path is defined by the dispensingmouth. In some non-exclusive embodiments, the dispensing device mayinclude circuitry electrically coupled to the sensor and the drivemotor, wherein the circuitry is configured to operate the drive motor.In some non-exclusive embodiments, the circuitry may be configured toactivate the drive motor for a time period upon receiving an output fromthe sensor and the output indicates the presence of a receptacleproximal to said dispensing mouth. In further non-exclusive embodimentsnot exclusive of other embodiments, a feed ramp may be positionedbetween the conveyance tube and the dispensing mouth defining a portionof the conveyance path, and a feed ramp cover may be provided, whereinthe optical sensor may be mounted on the feed ramp cover and the feedramp cover may include a window defined in the feed ramp cover defininga portion of the optical path.

In addition, the dispensing device may include a stand including anupright portion and a base, wherein the upright portion is mechanicallycoupled to the main body. In some non-exclusive embodiments, the standmay include a battery compartment, which may be positioned either in thestand base or in the upright portion of the stand. The dispensing devicemay also include a power supply, such as a DC jack. Further, thedispensing device may also include a vibratory motor and an eccentricbody rotatably driven by the vibratory motor and configured to impartmechanical vibration to the dispensing device, wherein the vibratorymotor may be at least partially positioned within the main body.

In a further aspect the present disclosure relates to a dispensingdevice including a main body, a storage portion retained by the mainbody, and a conveyance path, wherein the conveyance path may include aconveyance tube positioned within the main body, an auger rotatablydisposed in the conveyance tube, and a dispensing mouth defined in themain body. The device may also include a drive motor mechanicallycoupled to the auger, circuitry electrically coupled to the drive motorand configured to operate the drive motor, and a sensor coupled to thecircuitry and in optical communication with the environment proximate tothe dispensing mouth.

In some non-exclusive embodiments, the circuitry may be configured toturn on the drive motor for a time period when the circuitry receives anoutput from the sensor and after the expiration of the time period turnoff the drive motor. The circuitry may further be configured to ignorethe output from the sensor for a wait period after the drive motor hasbeen turned on, such that the drive motor is not turned on during thewait period period.

In further, non-exclusive embodiments, the circuitry may also include aspeed adjusting variable resistor, wherein adjustment of the variableresistor adjusts the speed the auger rotates. The circuitry may furtherinclude a time period adjusting variable resistor configured to adjustthe on-off time period. In addition, the circuitry may include a waitperiod adjusting variable resistor configured to adjust the wait period.

While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it isto be understood by those skilled in the art that this description ismade only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope ofthe invention. Other non-exclusive embodiments are contemplated withinthe scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplarynon-exclusive embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications andsubstitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to bewithin the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limitedexcept by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispensing device, comprising: a main body including a wall having a dispensing mouth defined in said wall; a storage portion retained by said main body; a conveyance path providing communication between said storage portion and said dispensing mouth; a conveyor disposed in said conveyance path, wherein said conveyor includes an auger, and wherein said auger includes auger threads made of an elastomer material such that the auger threads are configured to bend; a feed ramp positioned between said conveyor and said dispensing mouth and defining a portion of said conveyance path, wherein said conveyor is configured to convey food items directly to one end of said feed ramp, and wherein said feed ramp is angled relative to a vertical plane such that the food items slide down said feed ramp from said one end of said feed ramp to said dispensing mouth at another end of said feed ramp; a drive motor mechanically coupled to said conveyor; and a sensor directly or indirectly electrically coupled to said drive motor, wherein said sensor is in optical communication with the environment proximate to said dispensing mouth, and wherein said drive motor is configured to drive said conveyor in response to a signal from said sensor.
 2. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein said sensor is mounted within said main body and optical communication to the environment is provided through a portion of said conveyance path and through said dispensing mouth.
 3. The dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising circuitry electrically coupled to said sensor and to said drive motor, wherein said circuitry is configured to operate said drive motor.
 4. The dispensing device of claim 3, wherein said circuitry is configured to activate said drive motor for a time period upon receiving an output from said sensor indicating the presence of a receptacle proximal to said dispensing mouth.
 5. The dispensing device of claim 4, wherein said circuitry is further configured to ignore said output from said sensor for a wait period after said drive motor has been turned on, such that said drive motor is not turned on during said wait period.
 6. The dispensing device of claim 4, wherein said circuitry is further configured to adjust a speed of said drive motor.
 7. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein said auger includes threads that taper in height proximal at least one end of said auger.
 8. A dispensing device, comprising: a main body; a storage portion retained by said main body; a conveyance path including a conveyance tube positioned within said main body, an auger rotatably disposed in said conveyance tube, and a dispensing mouth defined in a wall of said main body, wherein said auger includes auger threads made of an elastomer material such that the auger threads are configured to bend; a feed ramp positioned between said auger and said dispensing mouth and defining a portion of said conveyance path, wherein said auger is configured to convey food items directly to one end of said feed ramp, and wherein said feed ramp forms an oblique angle relative to an axis of rotation of the auger such that the food items slide down said feed ramp from said one end of said feed ramp to said dispensing mouth at another end of said feed ramp; a drive motor mechanically coupled to said auger; circuitry electrically coupled to said drive motor and configured to operate said drive motor; and a sensor coupled to said circuitry, wherein said sensor is in optical communication with the environment proximate to said dispensing mouth, and wherein said circuitry is configured to cause said drive motor to drive said auger in response to a signal from said sensor.
 9. The dispensing device of claim 8, wherein said sensor is mounted within said main body and optical communication to the environment is provided through a portion of said conveyance path and through said dispensing mouth.
 10. The dispensing device of claim 8, wherein said circuitry is configured to turn on said drive motor for a time period when said circuitry receives an output from said sensor and after the expiration of said time period turn off said drive motor.
 11. The dispensing device of claim 10, wherein said circuitry is further configured to ignore said output from said sensor for a wait period after said drive motor has been turned on, such that said drive motor is not turned on during said wait period.
 12. The dispensing device of claim 8, wherein said circuitry is configured to adjust the speed said auger rotates.
 13. The dispensing device of claim 8, wherein said auger includes threads that taper in height proximal at least one end of said auger.
 14. A dispensing device, comprising: a tank including a first end and a second end; a funnel positioned at said second end of said tank, wherein said funnel has a funnel opening defined therein; a main body defining a dispensing mouth and including at least one lip, wherein said tank and funnel are supported on said main body, wherein said main body includes an inner cover mounted in said main body having a recess defined therein; a conveyance tube at least partially disposed in said main body defining at least a portion of a conveyance path from said funnel opening to said dispensing mouth, wherein said conveyance tube is supported in said recess; an auger rotatably positioned in said conveyance tube; a drive motor mechanically coupled to said auger; and an optical sensor in optical communication with the environment proximate to said dispensing mouth and directly or indirectly electrically coupled to said drive motor.
 15. The dispensing device of claim 14, wherein said optical sensor is mounted in said main body.
 16. The dispensing device of claim 14, further comprising a feed ramp positioned between said conveyance tube and said dispensing mouth defining a portion of said conveyance path, wherein said feed ramp forms an oblique angle relative to an axis of rotation of the auger such that the food items slide down said feed ramp from said one end of said feed ramp to said dispensing mouth at another end of said feed ramp.
 17. The dispensing device of claim 16, further comprising a feed ramp cover, wherein said optical sensor is mounted on said feed ramp cover.
 18. The dispensing device of claim 14, further comprising a stand including an upright portion and a base, wherein said upright portion is mechanically coupled to said main body. 